The term that describes the state after the first few minutes of exercise when oxygen levels stabilize is "steady state." During steady state, the body's oxygen consumption matches the oxygen demand of the exercising muscles, resulting in a stable level of oxygen availability. This equilibrium allows the body to efficiently utilize aerobic metabolism for energy production.
At the onset of exercise, individuals typically experience an oxygen deficit where the body has not yet ramped up its oxygen uptake to meet the increased energy demands. As exercise continues and the body adjusts, it enters steady state, providing a more effective and sustainable form of energy production.
In contrast, the anaerobic threshold refers to the point during exercise when the body begins to rely more on anaerobic energy systems, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid. Excess post-oxygen consumption describes the elevated oxygen uptake following exercise as the body works to return to its resting state. These terms indicate different physiological responses during exercise and recovery but do not specifically define the stabilization of oxygen levels that occurs during steady state.